Thoughts on this anvil?

Matt Rochester

Matt Rochester

Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Messages
1,864
So I had to run up to a local hardware store to get some neddle files for a guard I'm working on and ran across this anvil. I'm in the market for one and was wondering what some of you fellas thought about it. This store has a little bit of everything and most stuff is on the cheaper end. I know this is no Hay Budden but would it be worth $150 for a guy looking to try his hand at forging? I grabbed a hammer and checked the rebound and it does have some but I'm not sure how much it's supposed to have so not sure if that helps. Anyway let me know your thoughts please.
 
I wouldn't do it but, I hate to buy tools twice. I'm confident they don't test each anvil face for hardness as it comes off the boat from China and I doubt that iron is capable of getting that hard. There is certainly no steel face welded to the top. Save for an Emerson unless a great deal on some old iron comes along.

Bob
 
I bought a harbor fright 55lb anvil just because I needed something sturdier than what I have available. Bought in on sale and with another coupon for like $30 something. I wouldn't use it for forging but it works ok for what I need on occasion. When the time and money is right I'll buy a real anvil.
 
Cast iron = crap. Sure it gives you something to beat on but a rail road track would preform better.
A good test is using a ball bearing. Drop the ball and it should return to at least 3/4 of the way up to where you dropped it from. 80-90% bounce is not uncommon on good anvils. A hammer should do just about the same thing, let it drop and see How high it comes back up.

I just did this quick test to show you what to look for. I dropped from 10" and it returns to what looks like allmost 9.5" that would be 95% rebound.
https://youtu.be/Ze_7DaniUs8
 
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For forging, It will be better than beating on the concrete floor.

An expedient anvil of steel. RR track, Big sledgehammer head, Forklift blade, etc. will serve better and probably cheaper to obtain.

Seriously that thing is just a good doorstop.
 
Well I figured it was a long shot. I have the word out to a lot of folks so hopefully something will turn up. I will try the bearing test just to see.
 
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